Date: Thursday 2 December 2021 From: Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Gauteng Provincial Government
JOHANNESBURG – The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) have taken the decision to make the annual Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run (MRWR) a completely virtual event this year.
The event, which honours and remembers Nelson Mandela, was due to take place at the Union Buildings this Sunday, 5 December 2021, with a reduced number of 1 000 physical participants. With the reality of rising COVID infection numbers in Gauteng, however, organisers are urging all participants who have registered and who still wish to participate to do so virtually from wherever they are.
A small, private wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Union Buildings to mark the eighth anniversary of Madiba’s passing.
Participants who have registered and who still wish to take part in the Walk and Run, which is held to raise funds in support of the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, can still enter online for the 5 kilometre walk or the 10 and 21 kilometre runs at www.mandelawalkandrun.com
“Given the current COVID situation and with a view to ensuring the safety of all event participants, we have decided to urge people to participate virtually this year. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but have taken this decision on safety grounds and appeal to everyone for their understanding and continued support,” said Nelson Mandela Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Sello Hatang
Entrants to the popular annual event have been received from as far afield as India, Kenya, Nigeria, Portugal, United States, Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Guatemala and Sudan.
“The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is an event we all look forward to eagerly on the calendar and we were looking forward to gathering in numbers to celebrate Madiba’s massive contribution in all our lives. But given the current spike in COVID numbers in Gauteng, we have decided to ensure safety first and to protect and safeguard lives. We thank all those who have registered for the event and encourage everyone to still do so and join us safely in their own surroundings this year until we are in a position to gather again safely,” said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation, Mbali Hlophe.
The event is a social event for the fit, the not so fit and the completely unfit, walk or run your choice of distance and you will be awarded a unique virtual medal and certificate to confirm your participation if you took part anywhere in the rest of South Africa or around the world.
All proceeds raised will be donated to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to continue promoting Madiba's legacy.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES AND INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT:
Gauteng Provincial Government-related: Nomazwe Ntlokwana Cell: 083 507 8068 Email: Nomazwe.Ntlokwana@gauteng.gov.za
Nelson Mandela Foundation-related: Kneo Mokgopa Cell: 076 420 1910 Email: KneoM@nelsonmandela.org
Jermaine Craig Cell: 083 201 0121 Email: Jermaine.craig@gmail.com
Facebook: @MandelaRW Twitter: @mandelarw Instagram: @Mandelawalk
Hashtags: #MRWR20 #WhereverUR